Dr. Hilda Hayo: Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO
Dr. Hilda Hayo holds the dual role of Chief Executive and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK. Her leadership has been instrumental in growing the charity and expanding its services for families facing dementia. Hilda was appointed to this position in 2013, bringing over 40 years of experience in the nursing profession, with a specialism in older people's mental health and dementia care. Her dedication stems from a profound commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
Under her guidance, Dementia UK has significantly increased the number of Admiral Nurses providing specialist support. She continues to maintain a clinical practice, which ensures her leadership remains grounded in the realities of dementia care. Before her tenure at Dementia UK, she held several senior positions within clinical services and higher education, including Principal Lecturer posts at London South Bank University and the University of Northampton.
The Importance of a Dual Role
Dr. Hayo's unique position as both the CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse highlights the charity's focus on clinical expertise and compassionate care. This dual role ensures that the strategic direction of the organisation is always informed by frontline experience and the specific needs of families affected by dementia. As a visiting fellow of dementia studies, she also contributes to academic research, furthering the understanding of the condition and how best to provide support.
Dementia UK's Senior Leadership and Governance
While Dr. Hilda Hayo leads the day-to-day management of Dementia UK, the charity's governance is guided by a Board of Trustees. The leadership structure is comprehensive, with a dedicated team of professionals overseeing various aspects of the organisation's operations. This ensures that all functions, from clinical services to fundraising, are managed by experienced individuals.
Dementia UK's Senior Executive Team:
- Chief Executive and Chief Admiral Nurse: Dr. Hilda Hayo
- Director of Fundraising and Engagement: Martin Bishop
- Chief Nursing Officer: Paul Edwards
- Director of Strategy, Culture and Transformation: Nando Caicedo
- Interim Director of Finance: Mark Blake
- Director of Nursing Services: Caroline Scates
Dementia UK's Board of Trustees:
- Chair: Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE
- Honorary Treasurer: David Stewart
- And several other Trustees with diverse professional backgrounds.
Comparison of Dementia UK's Leadership vs. Governance
| Aspect | Senior Executive Team | Board of Trustees |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Oversees daily operations and leads strategic direction. | Provides overall governance and sets the strategic framework for the charity. |
| Members | Chief Executive (Hilda Hayo), Directors, and Senior Staff. | Chair (Professor Croisdale-Appleby), Honorary Treasurer, and Trustees. |
| Meetings | Works closely together on an ongoing basis. | Meets regularly throughout the year to review strategies and policies. |
| Responsibility | Implementing the charity's mission and managing its services. | Ensuring the charity meets its legal and contractual obligations. |
| Accountability | Reports to the Board of Trustees. | Accountable to the members of the charity and the public. |
Dr. Hayo's Impact on Dementia Care
Dr. Hilda Hayo's tenure has been marked by significant growth and positive change. A major achievement is the expansion of the Admiral Nurse program, which has grown to include hundreds of specialist nurses across the UK. This network provides practical solutions and emotional support to families, a service that often fills a crucial gap in dementia care.
Her dedication to the clinical practice, despite her executive role, underscores the charity's commitment to its core mission. She has also published academic work on young onset dementia, further contributing to the body of knowledge surrounding the condition. Her work helps raise awareness and influence policy to improve the lives of those living with dementia.
Conclusion: The Head of Dementia UK
In conclusion, the head of Dementia UK is Dr. Hilda Hayo, who serves as both the Chief Executive and Chief Admiral Nurse. Her extensive clinical and leadership experience has been vital in driving the charity's growth and impact since 2013. She leads a dedicated senior executive team, while the Board of Trustees, chaired by Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE, provides overall governance. Together, this leadership structure works to ensure that Dementia UK continues to provide essential, specialist support to families affected by all forms of dementia. To learn more about the charity's work, visit the official Dementia UK website.
